SHARE

Life sentence in Adams County motel slaying

BRIGHTON — A life sentence has been handed down in the case of a man convicted of beating and killing a mother of three last year in an Adams County motel.

Twenty-nine-year-old Michael Earl Smith Jr. was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole plus 12 years. Smith was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder and sexual assault in the July 12 death of 34-year-old Krista Ann Boma.

Prosecutors say Smith severely beat and strangled Boma, who was Assistant U.S. Attorney James Boma’s daughter. Smith strangled her using his hands and a belt.

Adams County District Judge Mark Warner described Smith’s actions as “cruel, heartless and depraved.”